The Steering Committee

REPORT OF

THE STEERING COMMITTEE

ON

YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

FOR

THE ELEVENTH FIVE YEAR PLAN

(2007-12)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

PLANNING COMMISSION

September, 2008

CONTENTS / Page No.
Background / 1 - 2
Major Schemes / Programmes
Youth Affairs & Adolescents / 2 - 3
Youth Policy 2003 / 4
Review of 10th Plan Performance / 5 - 6
Approach & Strategy for 11th Plan for 11th Plan / 6 - 10
Sports and Physical Education
Background / 10
Overview - Five Year Plans / 11
Review of 10th Plan Performance, / 12
Perspective, Approach and Strategy for 11th Plan / 13
Broadbasing of Sports (PYKKA) / 13 - 14
Promotion of Sports Excellence / 14 - 15
North Eastern States / 15 - 16
Annexures:
Constitution of Steering Committee / 17 - 21
Constitution of WG on Youth Affairs & Adolescents’ Development / 22 - 25
Constitution of WG on Sports & Physical education / 26 – 31
Scheme wise 11th Plan proposed Outlay – Youth Affairs & Adolescents / 32 – 34
Scheme wise 11th plan Proposed Outlay – Sports & physical education / 35
Scheme wise Financial Performance during 10th Plan / 36

Foreword

The beginning of the Eleventh Plan is essentially a time for stock taking. We have to take count of our achievements in the vital sectors of Youth Affairs and Sports during the previous Plans and formulate approach, strategy and programmes for the future accordingly. Youth have to play a vital role with regard to fostering and strengthening socio – economic development and enhance the level of consciousness as this group is the most vibrant and resourceful segment of the country’s population. However, to utilize this large work-force in the process of nation-building should be the focus of the Department of Youth Affairs. As sports and games develop character, health and strengthen the feeling of brotherhood; there is need to develop sports in all the States and involve youth at a young age. This would help in giving them a proper sense of direction, weaning them away from unlawful activities and provide them employment opportunities. Therefore,“Catch them Young” policy should be adopted for nurturing the talents and developing the immense potential of sports at national and international levels involving active people’s participation at grass-root levels, To achieve the aboveobjectives, there has been elaborate process of consultation with various experts and organizations in framing the approach to sports and youth affairs during the Eleventh Plan. I am grateful for the collective effort that has gone into envisioning the goals for the Eleventh Plan and incorporating them into suitable schemes. The issues for Development of Adolescents’ have also been focused with due consideration during the Working Groupand Steering Committee meetings.

2.I am happy to acknowledge the efforts made by the Education Division of Planning Commission in preparing the Steering Committee Report on Youth Affairs and Sports in such an effective manner.

(Prof. B. L. Mungekar)

New Delhi Member, Planning Commission

Dated : 29.09.2008

Preface

We all know that India today has crossed the one billion mark in its population. But what is not so well known is the fact that 700 million Indians today are those below 35 years of age. Of these again, around 400 million are in the age group 15-35 years and constitute what we define as youth in our country of which about 70% are in rural areas. How to utilize and channelize the energies of this Yuva Shakti in nation-building and socio-economic development of the society; how to provide sufficient international standard infrastructure for sports; how to create sports culture amongst the youths; how to achieve excellence in international competitions etc; are some of the areas to be addressed by the Steering Committee constituted by the Planning Commission on Youth Affairs and Sports in the Planning Commission with a view to look de novo at the existing policies, instruments and institutions, suggest innovative policies, efficient and effective instruments and creative ways to rejuvenate institutions; two Working Groups were also set up in which inputs from a large number of experts were received. The recommendations of the Working Groups were, in turn, considered and finalized in the second and third meetings of the Steering Committee headed by Prof. B.L. Mungekar, Member, Planning Commission. The Steering Committee considered various recommendations made by the Working Groups as also the Sub-Groups and Sub-Committees of different subjects covering various youth and adolescent programmes and sports related activities. Taking into consideration the achievements during the previous Plan period, particularly during 10th Plan, future directions in both Youth Affairs & Adolescents and Sports were deliberated upon for formulation of the 11th Five Year Plan.

2.As Member-Secretary of the Steering Committee, I greatly value the contribution of every member of the Steering Committee and especially Prof. B. L. Mungekar, Member, Planning Commission and Chairman of the Steering Committee who guided the deliberations of the Committee. I express my gratitude to Smt. Suman Swarup, Member-convener, Planning Commission, Sh. Madhukar Gupta, Secretary (Sports), Sh. Injeti Srinivas, Joint Secretary (Sports) and Shri Sailesh, Joint Secretary (Youth Affairs) from Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.Thanks are also due to the members of the Drafting Committee. Lastly, I express my sincere thanks to Shri Prem Singh, Sr. Research Officer, officers of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the staff of the Education Division in preparation of this Report.

(Dr. C. Chandramohan)

Adviser (Education) & Member-Convener

New Delhi

Dated: 12.09.2008

REPORT OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS FOR FORMULATION OF THE ELEVENTH FIVE YEAR PLAN (2007-12).

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In order to review the existing policies and schemes/programmes of the sector, identify thrust areas and work out an operational strategy for implementation of recommendations of the Working Groups constituted on Youths Affairs & Adolescents’ Development and Sports and Physical Education for formulation of Eleventh Five Year Plan, the Planning Commission constituted a Steering Committee on Youth Affairs and Sports under the Chairmanship of Dr. Bhalchandra Mungekar, Member (Education) vide Planning Commission Order No. M-12015/4/2006-Edn. dated 29th March, 2006. The terms of reference and the composition of the Steering Committee and the Working Groups are at Annexure I-III.

Initiating the process of formulation of 11th Plan for the sector, two working Groups viz. “Working Group on Adolescents’ Development” and “Working Group on Youth Affairs & Physical Education were constituted under the Chairman of Secretary, Youth Affairs & Sports. During the first meeting of the Steering Committee held on 5th October, 2006, since the issues concerning adolescents (age group of 10-19 years) and youths (age group of 13-35 years) are interrelated, on the request of the Secretary, YA&S, the above said two WGs were re-constituted as (a) Working Group on Youth Affairs & Adolescents’ Development (Vide No.M-12015/5/2006-Edn. dated 13th October, 2006) and (b) Working Group on Sports and Physical Education (Vide No. M-12015/3/2006-Edn. dated the 13th October, 2006).

Later, following the reconstitution of the Working Groups, the first meeting of the Working Group on Youth Affairs was held on 19th October, 2006, in which it was felt that, since Adolescents’ Development had been looked upon as a distinct subject from the 10th Plan onwards, the Working Group Report and Recommendations in respect of Adolescents may be developed as a separate Chapter / Section of the Report. It was also noted, in this context, that the age group related definitions of adolescents and youth cut across and overlap each other and that both would; therefore, have to be seen as a part of the larger youth cohort encompassing young people moving out of childhood to adolescence and into young adulthood. But, it was also recognized that there are transitions involved, which would call for different, focused, interventions, approaches and strategies. Therefore, considering the importance and to focus issues related to adolescents development, Secretary, YA&S bifurcated the WG indicated (a) above into two Sub- groups – one on Youth Affairs and another on Adolescents’ Development. Both the Sub-Groups had a number of meetings and also set up Sub Committees/Drafting Committees. The draft report of the Working Group based on the report of both the Committees was considered in a final meeting of the Working Group on 18th January 2007. The draft Working Group Reports were presented by the Ministry and discussed in the Steering Committee meetings held on 12th February, 2007 and 19th April, 2007. After detailed discussions, the Ministry submitted the final Reports of Working Group on Youth Affairs & Adolescents’ Development on 28th March, 2007 and Working Group on Sports & Physical Education on 18thApril, 2007.

The Steering Committee held three meetings. During these meetings inter alia, the following major issues emerged:

(i)Formulation of a comprehensive policy for development of Adolescents & Youths and Sports;

(ii)Provision of sufficient funds for the sector.

(iii)Restructuring of entire sports scenario to make it a movement;

(iv)Involvement of rural youths in youths and sports developmental activities;

(v)Coordination between various organization/ministries/departments concerned with youth developmental activities;

(vi)Flexibility in funds utilization, along with accountability, to the organization working under M/o YA&S.

(vii)Creation of sports infrastructure in villages,competition structure in phased manner and to use them for others purposes too;

(viii)Evaluation and re-structuring of existing schemes of youths and sports;

(ix)Strengthening and broadening the network of NYKS, NSS and Scouts.

MAJOR SCHEMES/ PROGRAMMES

The activities of Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports are bifurcated into two sub-sectors viz. (a) Youth Affairs including Adolescents and; (b) Sports & Physical Education.

(a) YOUTH AFFAIRS & ADOLESCENTS

The adolescents and youths are the most vibrant and dynamic segment as well as potentially the most valuable human resource of every country. The population of India in the age group of 15 – 35 was 355 million as per the 2001 Census, which would translate into approximately 390 million people as per the current definition of youth in the National Youth Policy, 2003 (13-35 years). With the inclusion of adolescents, the total youth population in the country would be around 435 million; and it would be around 700 million if we were to include children who would, in the years to come, grow into adolescents and young adults. The role and contribution of youth is pivotal in a country like India where the youths and adolescents constitute more than 50% of the total population of which about 70% live in rural areas, and this number is estimated to cross 500 million by end of 11th Plan. This pose its own challenges with reference to inclusive growth and the need to bridge divides.

A well nurtured and equipped youth cohort lead to larger productive work participation and consequent growth in the GDP and the well being of the country, and any gaps on this score would make the country vulnerable to indeterminable challenges. Recognizing the role of youth, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has observed on several National occasions that India is a nation of young people and in the next few decades it will probably have the world’s largest set of young people. When other countries begin to age, India will remain a country of young people. All demographers tell that if the proportion of working population to total population increases, that should be reflected in a sharp increase in the country’s savings rate. If the country could find productive job opportunities for the working population, that would give a big opportunity to leapfrog in the race for socio-economic development. The youth could become an asset only if proper investment is made in developing their capabilities. They are willing to think in new ways. They want to build a new India of their dreams. There is great need to create opportunities for all for full utilization of their talent and skill. Considering the huge share of adolescents and youths in the country’s population and considering the recommendations of Working Groups, Parliamentary Standing Committees, Commissions and Task Forces on the matter; several initiatives were taken by the Govt. of India by enacting/modifying National Youth Policy time to time. If the increased proportion of working population could find productive job opportunities that would be milestone in socio-economic development of the country.Contrary to this, if they are not shaped properly at right time, this would be a curse rather than a dividend. The time has never been better to invest in young people in developing countries. Efforts, therefore, need to be made to harness the energy of the youth towards the nation-building through their active and responsive participation.

During the 10th Plan, the Ministry wascarrying out their activities through following the schemes/programmesfor Youth and Sports development.

YOUTH & ADOLESCENTS’ DEVELOPMENT

1.Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)

2.National Service Scheme (NSS)

3.Financial Assistance to Rural Youth and Sports Clubs including evaluation

4.National Service Volunteer Scheme

5.Rashtriya Sadbhavana Yojana

6.Financial Assistance for Promotion of Youth Activities & Training

7.Financial Assistance for Promotion of National Integration

8.Financial Assistance for Promotion of Adventure

9.Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD)

10.Youth Hostels

11.Scouting and Guiding

12.Commonwealth Youth Programme and exchange of youth delegations

13.Establishment of National and State Youth Centres

14.New scheme relating to HIV/AIDS

15.Development of Adolescents.

The first two schemes (NYKS and NSS) are the flagship programmes of the Ministry, encompassing a major part of its activities in institutional, functional and financial terms, and along with the next three schemes, and the RGNIYD, constitute the core of the youth network under it. Under the next four schemes listed above, financial assistance is provided to NGOs and other organizations & institutions, for activities related to vocational training, development & empowerment of adolescents, national integration and adventure. The scheme of Youth Hostels is the only infrastructure scheme of the Ministry, aimed at promoting youth travel and hostelling. Under the scheme of Scouting and Guiding, grant-in-aid is provided to Bharat Scouts and Guides for conducting training camps and holding of jamborees etc. throughout the country. The schemes relating to establishment of National and State Youth Centres and HIV/AIDS could not be operationalized during 10th Plan period for various reasons, although the schematic framework of the scheme pertaining to HIV/AIDS had been formulated, and it would be implemented by NACO, Ministry of Health in the Eleventh Plan. Besides, following the report and recommendations of the Working Group for the 10th Plan, a specific scheme titled the ‘Scheme of Financial Assistance for the Development and Empowerment of Adolescents (age group of 13-19 years) was formulated and approved in April 2004. The key action areas under this Scheme are: Environment building; recognizing special needs of the Adolescents; Building life skills; Counseling; Career guidance; and Research & Development.

The youth development schemes taken up for implementation during the 10th Plan, could be broadly categorized into two groups, viz., (a) youth based organizations and (b) youth development activities, although some components of these also relate to the building up of an organizational network and delivery mechanisms in the form of Youth Clubs, Youth Development Centres and Youth Leaders/Volunteers, etc. The role of the Youth Clubs in the execution of field activities has, so far, been limited and, in the rural areas the NYKS has become the main direct implementing agency. Due to various reasons, the activities of NYKS could not be expanded beyond 9th Plan.

Youth Policy 2003

Considering the huge and ever increasing youth-population in India, and to achieve the goals fixed for the 10th Plan, the National Youth Policy 1998 was replaced by a New National Youth Policy -2003 which was enacted recognizing the following four thrust areas:

(i) Youth Empowerment;

(ii) Gender Justice;

(iii) Inter-Sectoral Approach; and

(iv) Information and Research Network.

The Policy accords priority to the following groups of young people:

(a) Rural and Tribal Youth;

(b) Out-ofSchool Youth;

(c) Adolescents, particularly female adolescents;

(d) Youth with disabilities; and

(e) Youth under especially difficult circumstances like victims of trafficking, orphans and street children.

The Policy makes provision for an implementation mechanism through which various youth development programmes and activities are to be undertaken with the active involvement of the State Governments and concerned Union Ministries and Departments. The National Commission for Youth was set up to suggest measures for the implementation of the Plan of Action of the National Youth Policy. However, National Plan of Action for Youth – 2005 could not take proper shape due to unforeseen reasons. Consequently, National Youth Policy 2003 also could not be implemented in the manner as it was perceived and enacted.

The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on HRD on Demands for Grants (2006-07) of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, in its report, had made a number of important recommendations. Some of these are briefly indicated below :-

(i) The Youth Clubs and Mahila Mandals should be encouraged to work as watchdog agencies against drug and human trafficking, HIV/AIDS etc.

(ii) Expansion of NYKS in a phased manner covering all the 604 districts in the country against present coverage in 500 districts and their outreach, in terms of beneficiary coverage, which is also very low.

(iii) Coordination and monitoring mechanism in respect of the participation of NYKS in the schemes run by various other Ministries/Agencies without diluting the basic mandate of the NYKs.

(iv) Strengthening of NSS in all universities and colleges;

(v) Gender Budgeting;

(vi) Review of existing schemes inYouth Affairsto avoid overlapping between different schemes;

Performance during Plan period

As regards performance during past Five Year Plans, the sector got importance since 2nd Plan. To harness the Yuva Shakti in nation-building, the National Discipline Scheme was introduced in the Second Plan and continued in the Third Plan. The Fourth Plan gave special emphasis to the needs of the youth and to leadership training. Support was provided to voluntary organizations to participate in youth development programmes. Community service was developed as an integral part of the educational curriculum. The Fifth Plan laid emphasis on the expansion and strengthening of the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the Nehru Yuva Kendras (NYKs). The National Service Volunteer Scheme (NSVS) was launched during this Plan period. In the Sixth Plan, an effort was made to have effective coordination of different programmes. The sector received a major boost in the Seventh Plan, when a National Youth Policy was framed and a Plan of Action formulated in 1992. The thrust in the Eighth and Ninth Plan was on harnessing youth power involving them in various commodity-based national building activities. The thrust of the 10th Plan was on to inculcate the values of secularism and national integration; youth empowerment and gender justice through an inter-sectoral approach; providing special attention to education, training and employment, health, environment, sports, recreation and; leisure, art and culture, science & technology etc.; and developing the interest of youth in development-oriented programmes.